Eversource and pro-industry groups are flooding the airways with ads arguing that we need a new gas pipeline running from the Berkshires to Eastern Massachusetts. Evidently, they missed this story from mid-November.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey released a study on November 18th that concluded that the state did not need a new gas pipeline to meet our energy needs through 2030. The study, which used conservative assumptions, (including the shutdown of Pilgrim nuclear power plan by June 2019), and modeled “worst case scenarios,” found that that we could meet any additional electric needs with efficiency measuresand peak-demand reduction programs. Moreover, these solutions would be more cost-effectiveto customers and result in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ratepayers should nothave to pay for increased gas capacity if it’s not needed. The 80 page report, along with a great graphic summary, is on the Attorney General’s website. Read more …

You may have heard about the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline. This is part of an expansion to an existing, and is a separate project from the Kinder Morgan pipeline in the Attorney General’s report. Our neighbors in Dedham and West Roxbury have raised numerous issues with the project, detailed on their website.